Municipal Engagement Lead - Contract

About the Role

Environmental Defence Canada (EDC) is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities. You will be joining a mission-oriented organization with solution-oriented team members who strive to improve our communities and environment. The hourly rate is $35. This contract will end on December 23, 2025.

Purpose of the Role

Environmental Defence is seeking an individual who can help us engage municipalities and other interested stakeholders on the topic of renewable energy and battery energy storage facilities. This individual will need to be able to travel around Ontario, meet with municipal council members and staff, with local residents and concerned citizens, delegate at council meetings and speak at community events, informing interested parties about the benefits that communities can derive from welcoming renewable energy development (wind, solar and battery storage) in their jurisdictions.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) recently finalized its RFP for the Long Term 2 procurement, in which it is seeking bids for energy and capacity resources. Energy Resources provide electricity generation to the grid and could be wind or solar, or they could also be gas plants. Capacity resources are available to provide capacity to the grid when called upon and could be gas plants or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). All projects require a resolution of support from the local municipal council to proceed. Proposals for the Energy stream need to be submitted by October 16, 2025. Proposals for the Capacity stream need to be submitted by December 18th, 2025.

Many municipalities are discussing whether they will grant a motion of support for wind, solar and BESS projects. They are also debating whether to support new gas plant proposals. Environmental Defence is seeking to help support environmentally sound clean energy projects and encourage municipal councils to vote to support those projects. EDC is also seeking to urge councils to vote against supporting new gas plants due to local air quality impacts, high costs, and, of course, climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to municipal councils, council members and staff
• Meet with and be a resource for municipal councils and staff contemplating whether to support or oppose LT2 projects
• Travel to municipalities and delegate at meetings or speak at community gatherings as needed
• Help gather testimonials from municipal officials, land owners and others who are familiar with (and benefit from) renewable energy projects
• Support community members in advocating for good renewable energy projects and negotiating community benefit agreements
• Conduct interviews with local media outlets

Skills and Experience

• A valid Ontario drivers licence and access to a vehicle
• Knowledge of renewable energy and its benefits
• An engaging, outgoing, people-oriented personality

Location

We are looking for an individual who lives outside the GTA (in Northern Ontario preferably) and is comfortable travelling to different locations within Ontario. This role will be remote-first with an in-office component when needed.

To apply

Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to hr@environmentaldefence.ca

Racialized communities and others from equity-seeking groups are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental degradation, yet they are significantly under-represented in environmental organizations. We believe that those most impacted by these issues must have access to paid positions in organizations dedicated to environmental defense and justice. Environmental Defence strives to create a workspace that reflects the diversity of identities and lived experiences within the communities we serve. If you see yourself reflected in 80% of the requirements for this role, we strongly encourage you to apply.

If you require any accommodations for your interview, please contact hr@environmentaldefence.ca